TL;DR
- Pool fences are a legal requirement in Australia and are essential for preventing accidents and drownings.
- In most states, including Queensland, a compliant pool fence must be at least 1200mm high.
- Fences must also meet rules around gaps, gate latches and climbable objects.
- Your local council may have additional requirements, so it’s always worth checking before building or renovating.
The importance of pool fencing
Pool safety is serious business – especially if you have kids or live in a neighbourhood with lots of young families. For homeowners with established pools, it can be easy to overlook pool fence height compliance after the initial install. But fencing regulations are a critical part of ongoing pool safety.
That’s why understanding how high a pool fence needs to be – and navigating pool fence regulations more broadly – is essential for keeping your backyard both safe and compliant.
Pool fence height requirements in Australia
What counts as a pool barrier?
A pool barrier is any structure that restricts access to your pool. It could be a purpose-built pool fence, part of your boundary fencing, or even your house wall (if it meets pool safety standards).
General regulations for Australian pool fence height
Most states and territories follow the Australian Standard AS1926 for pool fencing. These guidelines exist to reduce the risk of drowning, particularly among children under five.
The main pool barrier or fence requirements include:
- A minimum fence height of 1200mm
- No gaps larger than 100mm between vertical bars or between the ground and the fence
- No climbable objects (trees, furniture, pot plants, etc.) within 900mm of the outside of the fence
- A self-closing, self-latching gate that swings outwards from the pool area
- Latch height of at least 1500mm
These rules are non-negotiable for pool owners – and for good reason. Non-compliant fences have been linked to child drownings, which is why enforcement has ramped up in recent years.
How high does a pool fence need to be?
The minimum legal pool fence height in Australia is 1200mm (1.2 metres) – measured from the ground to the top of the fence.
In Queensland, these rules are governed by the Queensland Development Code MP 3.4 and AS1926.1–2007. The 1200mm height helps prevent young children from climbing over, especially when combined with clear zones and correct gap sizing.
However, local councils may have their own interpretations or additional criteria, especially for unusual pool layouts or older properties. So it’s always best to check your specific council requirements before installing or modifying your fence.
Swimming pool fencing regulations you need to know
The same boundary fence height and gap rules apply whether you have:
- An in-ground pool
- An above-ground pool
- A spa
- A portable/inflatable pool deeper than 300mm
And yes – even temporary pools need a compliant barrier.
Additional fencing requirements include:
- No footholds between horizontal bars (they must be spaced at least 900mm apart)
- Gates must be closing and self-latching and swing away from the pool
- Latch mechanisms must be child-proof and located on the inside of the gate
If you’re unsure whether your existing fence still complies, it’s worth having a professional check it – especially if your pool was built before 2010 when regulations were updated.
The role of climbable objects and vertical gaps in pool fence safety
Even if your fence is the right height, you could still be non-compliant if there are climbable objects nearby.
What counts as climbable?
- Trees or branches
- Pot plants or planter boxes
- Outdoor chairs, tables, or BBQs
- Ladders or pool equipment
Climbable objects must be kept at least 900mm away from the outside of the fence. Inside the pool area, they should be at least 300mm away from the fence.
Vertical gaps in the fencing must also be less than 100mm, and the same goes for the space between the bottom of the fence and the ground. Larger gaps can allow young children to squeeze through or create footholds for climbing.
Incorrect gap sizes are one of the most common reasons fences fail inspection by a licensed pool safety inspector – so they’re worth double-checking.
How to ensure your pool fence is safe and secure
Here’s a quick compliance checklist for pool owners:
- Measure the height – Is your fence at least 1200mm high from the ground?
- Check the gaps – Are all gaps between bars (and at the base) less than 100mm?
- Look around the fence – Is there a 900mm non climbable zone inside of the fence?
- Test the gate – Does it self-close and latch from any open position?
- Check the latch height – Is it at least 1500mm from the ground and inaccessible from outside?
If your fence doesn’t tick all of these boxes, it may be time for a repair, upgrade, or full replacement.
“Choosing the right pool fence is about creating a space that looks great and helps keep your family safe.”
— Owner, Prestige Pool Renovations
Swimming pool barrier vs. swimming pool fencing: what’s the difference?
A pool barrier is a general term used in the regulations of swimming pool safety – it could refer to a fence, wall, or other physical obstruction.
Pool fencing specifically refers to purpose-built safety fences around swimming pools.
While fencing is the most common form of barrier, some properties may also use:
- Pool covers (but these must be lockable and meet strict standards)
- Door alarms or window restrictors (if part of the barrier includes the house)
- Glass fencing for style and visibility
Whatever the combination, the rules remain: the total system must prevent unsupervised access by young children.
What to look for in quality pool fencing
When choosing a new or replacement fence, keep these things in mind:
- Material – Glass, aluminium, or steel are popular and compliant when installed correctly.
- Design – Vertical bars or panels should be non-climbable. Horizontal styles may look good but can be risky without proper spacing.
- Durability – Coastal homes should consider corrosion-resistant materials.
- Maintenance – Hinges, latches and glass panels should be checked regularly for wear.
Are you breaching pool safety laws?
If your fence isn’t up to code, you could be:
- Fined by your local council (in Queensland, penalties can exceed $900 per offence)
- Denied an insurance claim if an accident occurs
- Liable for injury or drowning incidents, even if they involve trespassers
Don’t assume your fence is compliant just because it passed inspection five years ago. Regulations change – and so does wear and tear.
The benefits of having a safe pool fence height
- Peace of mind – You’ll know your family, friends and pets are protected
- Reduced liability – Especially if your property is rented or used by others
- Insurance support – Compliant fencing can prevent disputes over pool-related claims
- Better design – Today’s fencing options allow for both form and function
Conclusion: Don’t skip pool area safety
So, how high does a pool fence need to be? At least 1200mm – but the real answer is more than a number. It’s about building a space that’s as safe as it is enjoyable.
If you’re unsure whether your pool fence still complies – or you’re planning a pool renovation – now’s the time to double-check the rules.
Prestige Pool Renovations can help you navigate compliance, improve safety, and design a backyard you love. Because when it comes to pool fencing, cutting corners just isn’t worth it.
Pool fence FAQs
A pool fence must be at least 1200mm above the finished ground level to comply with safety standards and prevent children from climbing over.
Yes – but it must meet all legal requirements. That includes proper height, spacing, gate functionality and materials.
Yes, but they must be less than 100mm wide to prevent children from slipping through or using them as footholds.
Ready to upgrade your pool fence or unsure if yours is still compliant?
Get in touch with the team at Prestige Pool Renovations. We’ll help you check the height, fix any issues, and design a pool area that’s as safe as it is stylish.